Tattoo Regulation

Tattooing is defined as a mark or design made on or under the skin of a human being by a process of piercing and ingraining a pigment, dye, or ink in the skin. The tattoo industry is composed of professional artists who apply conventional and cosmetic tattoos.

Regulation of the tattoo industry allows implementation of infection control standards to minimize the spread of bacterial and blood-borne pathogen infections, e.g. hepatitis, HIV, and MRSA. These standards require the use of barrier methods for reusable equipment; effective antiseptics for cleaning the client's skin; disinfectants for cleaning procedure surfaces; sterile, single-use needles and grips; proper sterilization procedures; and prohibit needle and ink re-use.

Effective January 1, 2012, the Department of Health implementedsections 381.00771-381.00791, Florida Statutes (F.S.), The Practice of Tattooing. These statutes require licensure of tattoo artists and tattoo establishments, and also set educational requirements and standards of practice for conventional and cosmetic tattoo artists, and operational requirements for tattoo establishments.Chapter 64E-28, Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.), which became effective September 5, 2012 , details the statutory requirements for tattoo establishments and tattoo artists. It is recommended that tattoo establishment owners and operators, as well as tattoo artists, review the requirements of both statute sections and the rule chapter to ensure compliance with all requirements for both artists and establishments.

As of January 1, 2012, the conditions required by section 877.04, F.S., that required any person who tattooed in Florida to either be licensed as, or work under the "general supervision" of, a medical doctor, a doctor of osteopathy, a doctor of dental surgery, or a doctor of medical dentistry, is no longer required, due to implementation of sections 381.00771-381.00791, F.S.

Tattoo artists are required to attend industry-specific training prior to applying for their license. A list of approved courses can be found at:Tattoo Educational Courses

For more information, please call (863) 402-6550.